Tag: life

Finding Purpose In Retirement

In a recent podcast episode on DoorWays Ministry, I talked to Ric Shields about retirement’s challenges and growth. Sharing my journey after an unexpected retirement from medicine, I’m learning the distinction between identity and profession, and how retirement can lead to renewed purpose through faith, family, and service.

In previous posts, I’ve told you that my friend Ric Shields invited me to be a guest on his DoorWays Ministry podcast series to talk about the questions that really matter when it comes to retirement.

After bringing you three episodes of the series, in this post I’m sharing the podcast where I share my thoughts and experience of retirement.

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “retirement”? The word comes from the verb retire, which means “to go to sleep”. But most of us don’t plan to spend our retirement sleeping all day.

Most people think of retirement in terms of work. The dictionary definition is “to withdraw from one’s position or occupation; to conclude one’s working or professional career.”

Whether retirement is still years away, you’re getting ready for it, or you’re already a seasoned retiree, this series has something for you. We’ll explore how to plan, prepare, and thrive in whatever season of life you’re in now.

You can access all the episodes at this link, and I will post them here on the blog and on Facebook. I hope you will share them widely.

Listen here now.

Episode 4-Who Am I Without My Job?

Finding Purpose After Retirement

For decades, you’ve known how to answer the question, “What do you do?” But what happens when the job title disappears, the routine changes, and the work that once defined you is suddenly behind you?

In this episode of the DoorWays Ministry podcast, Dr. Aletha Oglesby shares her deeply personal experience of an unexpected retirement after decades in medicine. When her position was eliminated, she faced feelings of loss, grief, and uncertainty. Over time, she discovered that while her professional role had changed, her purpose had not.

Together, we explore the difference between what we do and who we are, how to recognize when retirement is becoming emotionally difficult, and why meaningful living starts with understanding our core values and calling.

Through faith, family, new experiences, and opportunities to serve, Aletha discovered fresh ways to live out the purpose that had guided her all along.

Because retirement may close one chapter of your life, but it doesn’t mean your story is finished. It may be the perfect opportunity to discover who you’ve been all along.

Ric Shields, DoorWays Podcast
A man and a woman standing together with Niagara Falls in the background, showcasing the beautiful cascading water and mist.
Fifty years after our wedding, Raymond and I made it to Niagara Falls.

The year after I retired, I went on a ministry trip to Paraguay with my church. I donate monthly to a child sponsorship program based there. It was a special treat to meet the child I sponsor.

Exploring the HEART of Health

Thank you for reading this post. I strive to make them worth your time.

I share information and inspiration that sparks transformation in your body, mind, and spirit.

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Watercress Words by Dr. Aletha

Dr. Aletha

Creating a Life that Matters

The blog post talks about creativity, particularly in writing and blogging. It introduces an online bookshop featuring reviewed and recommended books that inspire personal growth. Revenue from sales supports the blog and health charities, encouraging community engagement and resource exploration.

updated November 13, 2025

Thanks for visiting my blog. The post that inhabited this space was much out of date, with links that no longer exist. So it no longer made sense.

As the title suggests, the post was about creativity. A definition of creativity is

The ability to produce or develop original work, theories, techniques, or thoughts. A creative individual typically displays originality, imagination, and expressiveness.

Analyses have failed to ascertain why one individual is more creative than another, but creativity does appear to be a very durable trait.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

One of the durable types of creativity is writing, like blogging. That is one reason why I review books on this blog and include affiliate links for books.

I have created an online bookshop of books I have read, reviewed, and recommend. It’s on Bookshop.org and you can find it here.

Watercress Words -the HEART of health

In these books, you will find information and inspiration to help you turn your challenges into opportunities to thrive and grow.

Please visit the site and share the link with friends. The revenue I receive from sales supports the cost of keeping this blog here and supports various health charities I know and trust.

This Blog

While you’re here, use this link to search the site for health and wellness topics and resources you need to know more about. Put a word or phrase into the box here and explore the HEART of health.

Pages

And please visit my Pages, where you can meet me and review the terms of this blog, mainly don’t use it to diagnose or treat yourself.

a Stethoscope and a green Apple

Dr. Aletha

The Cover Photo is by Min An on Pexels.com.